Endodontics / Root Canals

Endodontics / Root Canals

Tooth infections can occur at any time, even with patients who take excellent care of their teeth. Many infections get deep into the nerves of the tooth’s root, which causes severe pain and great sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. If you can’t eat ice cream or drink hot coffee without feeling intense pain, you could be suffering from an infection of the root of your tooth. In this case, a root canal performed in our Silver Springs, MD practice is necessary.

Here at Bishop Dental, we provide root canal procedures to help get rid of the infection. The process begins with Dr. David Bishop numbing the area with a local anesthetic, then drilling a small hole into the tooth to reach the canal. This lets us clean out the infection, before filling the hole with a material called gutta percha. This material is temporary, so you will need to return to our office in about 2-3 weeks to be fitted for a crown.

After having a root canal done, the tooth is dead. While it helps save the structure of the tooth, a crown needs to be fitted to protect it from cracking or breaking.

Contact our office today to learn more about all of our endodontic procedures available.

Root Canals

Root Canals

When you hear the term “root canal,” you probably associate this infamous procedure with a sense of dread.  However, this association is actually based in a number of common misconceptions.  Modern technology has made root canal procedures virtually painless.  New advancements and technologies have improved the efficiency and comfort of a procedure so that patients no longer have to be afraid of the process.  Digital x-rays, precision instruments and effective dental anesthetic have made it possible to accurately target infections.  Since the entire process is less invasive, patients have a reduced healing time and can return to their normal activities without pain.  Any discomfort that is felt during the healing period can be easily relieved with over-the-counter painkillers.

If you are still nervous or have concerns about your root canal or endodontic procedure, feel free to call my office.  I’m happy to answer any questions you may have.